CD Review: Halloween - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2007)

Way back in 1979 John Carpenter revolutionized the horror film when he introduced the world to one of horror cinema's most enduring killers. Michael Myers was born that year, and from that moment on, he would go on to haunt the dreams of many a young child who dared stay up late on dark and stormy nights watching Halloween. It would go on to spawn a series of sequels of varying quality that would never live up to the original masterpiece. Now, nearly thirty years later, the horror loving populace will be subjected to a remake of said classic. A daunting task to be sure. One that a lesser man would curl up in a dark room and whimper. Not Rob Zombie, he took on the task, and in addition to writing and directing the film (with approval from John Carpenter), he also took on piecing together a soundtrack to his new vision.

In addition to writing and directing the original, John Carpenter was also the composer. To this day the Halloween score remains one of the best ever recorded. One listen and you will know why. It is terrifying in its simplicity, in the way it can build suspense and dread even when you aren't watching the movie. I doubt that anyone will be able to match what he was able to accomplish. For the remake, Tyler Bates has taken up the compositional duties. He is coming hot off of his work for Zack Snyder on 300, and has previously collaborated with Rob Zombie on The Devil's Rejects.

This soundtrack is not a score album, but it does contain two pieces by Tyler Bates. I have read rumors that a score album will be released this October. I hope that is true, as I liked what I heard here. The first piece is a reworking of John Carpenter's original theme music, music that even those who haven't seen the movie are familiar with. The track is simply called "Halloween 2007." It does not match up to the original, but it does a pretty good job of retaining that old school sense of dread without merely duplicating it. The main lines are still there, but there is a bit more of a synth feel to it with some underlying ambiance added to the mix. The other track is from the climax and it is called "The Shape Stalks Laurie." First, I am glad to see the credit of the Shape remain, hopefully that is how the end credits will read. As for the piece itself, it is an ambient piece with lots of industrialized noises. It is far from your traditional orchestral score sound. It has a slow build as a variety of sounds build up to a violent crescendo. I like it. It brings in flavors of Carpenter's work, but is definitely a new take for the new film. I cannot wait to see how it fits with the film.

The bulk of the album is comprised of classic rock hits from the 70's and 80's. It is refreshing to see a horror film that is clearly courting a younger audience not load up on the current crop of metal bands to provide "dark and creepy" songs. For example, take a look at such offerings as Saw III, Freddy vs. Jason, and the Masters of Horror collection. It's not that there is anything wrong with that soundtrack, I like a lot of what's on them. I just like that there is someone out there that finds appropriate music among the classics, and remembers that there was music before the last few years.

Anyway, the songs that play between Tyler Bates bookends are a good number of known songs that make you just want to turn up the stereo to 11. You will find such hits as Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper," Nazareth's "Love Hurts," Rush's "Tom Sawyer," and Kiss' "God of Thunder." There is also the unexpected inclusion of "Halloween II" by the masters of horror punk, The Misfits. It would have been nice if there were a few more oddball picks like that. Still this is a solid collection of tunes that will hopefully fit the film that Rob has created.

Perhaps taking a cue from the 20th Anniversary edition of the Halloween soundtrack, or just continuing the trend he started with his first two films, each song is separated with a snip of dialogue from the film. All I can say is that these bits are definitely not from the original film, and is increasing my anticipation of the new take.

The soundtrack ends with Nan Vernon's version of "Mr. Sandman," which I presume will play over the closing credits. What? Never heard of Nan Vernon? Well, neither have I, but no matter. This song is deliciously sweet with a just a touch of evil sprinkled throughout. The perfect closer.

Bottomline. It isn't filled with current hits, and could possibly have had a few more oddball choices, but it is still a solid soundtrack. I say this, of course, without having seen the movie yet, so I cannot comment on the complete success of the selections. I have faith, however, in Rob Zombie's ability to capture the right feel for the moment. With his past two outings, he is near Tarantino's level of excellence in that department. Also, Bates is composer to keep an eye on.

Recommended.